Apprentice doesn't start as a breadwinner (6)
I believe the answer is:
earner
'a breadwinner' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'apprentice doesn't start' is the wordplay.
'apprentice' becomes 'learner' (synonyms).
'doesn't start' means to remove the first letter.
'learner' with its first letter removed is 'EARNER'.
'as' is the link.
(Other definitions for earner that I've seen before include "Lucrative activity" , "One receiving income (for work)" , "Money-spinner" , "Someone paid for work" , "Someone, or something, that provides income" .)